08/05/2026
Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) is not just Ghana’s premier healthcare institution; it is a clinical powerhouse in the West African sub-region. Established in 1923, it has evolved from a small general hospital into a massive medical complex that serves as a beacon of hope for patients across the continent.
Here are five key reasons why Korle-Bu stands out as one of the best in Ghana and Africa:
1. Hosting Three National Centres of Excellence
Korle-Bu is unique because it houses three specialized Centres of Excellence under one roof. These centers offer highly advanced treatments that are often unavailable elsewhere in the region:
National Cardiothoracic Centre: A hub for complex heart and lung surgeries.
National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre: One of the most advanced units in West Africa for treating severe burns and complex reconstructive cases.
National Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine:A critical facility for advanced cancer treatment and diagnostic imaging.
2. A Pioneer in Specialized Medical Procedures
The hospital has a track record of "firsts" that place it on the cutting edge of African medicine. Notable achievements include:
Organ Transplants: Performing Ghana’s first kidney transplants and moving toward making them routine monthly procedures as of 2026.
Cochlear Implants: Restoring hearing to deaf patients through landmark surgical procedures.
Advanced Diagnostics: It is one of the few African hospitals capable of performing DNA investigations and sophisticated molecular testing.
3. The Third Largest Hospital in Africa
With a capacity of over 2,000 beds and 21 clinical and diagnostic departments, Korle-Bu is a massive referral hub. It receives roughly 70% of all inter-hospital referrals in Ghana. Its sheer scale allows it to manage a vast diversity of medical cases, from neonatal intensive care to neurosurgery and geriatric medicine.
4. International Accreditation and Standards
Korle-Bu maintains global standards that attract international patients and partnerships.
ISO 15189:2022 Accreditation: Its Central Laboratory is internationally accredited, ensuring that diagnostic results are scientifically accurate and world-class.
Global Partnerships: The hospital collaborates with institutions in the UK, Austria, and the Czech Republic to stay updated on the latest medical technologies and research.
5. A Premier Hub for Medical Education and Research
As a primary teaching hospital for the University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu is where the continent’s finest medical minds are trained.
It features a Surgical Skills Laboratory that is unique in Sub-Saharan Africa, allowing surgeons to train in advanced endoscopic and microvascular techniques.
The hospital’s role in clinical research means that many of the health policies and treatment protocols used across West Africa are developed right within its walls.
Note: Because of its reputation for excellence and affordable premium care, Korle-Bu also operates an Executive & International Patients Unit, which provides fast-track services for those traveling from abroad specifically to seek treatment there.
